Grubs, a ninth-generation Bolton family business, has donated footwear to support Bolton Hospice’s new charity boutique, Reloved, in Market Place — with sales helping the hospice towards its £5.5 million annual income target.
The Bolton News has reported that Grubs — a ninth-generation family business with more than 200 years of Bolton heritage — has donated footwear to support Bolton Hospice through its newest retail venture, Reloved.
The new charity boutique sits in the former Topman unit on the first floor of Market Place in Bolton town centre, offering a curated mix of bridal gowns, vintage clothing, occasion wear, footwear and designer pieces.
Jan Foster, managing director and co-owner of Grubs, said the donation was for a cause close to the family’s heart:
“We are very pleased to be able to donate Grubs products for this extremely worthy cause which is very close to our hearts. We are a local business and have been for nine generations, so it is good to be able to offer something back to our local community.”
The Reloved shop will stay open throughout the summer with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, and alongside its pre-loved stock will feature a selection of new items from local businesses, including those donated by Grubs. Sales from the boutique will contribute towards Bolton Hospice’s annual income generation target of £5.5 million.
Jacqueline Barlow, retail support manager at Bolton Hospice, said:
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone to Reloved. It’s a gorgeous space filled with an incredible range of bridal, designer and occasion wear – there is something special for everyone. I think visitors will be amazed by the quality and affordability of what’s on offer. Whether you’re preparing for a summer wedding, looking for the perfect prom outfit or simply searching for a standout accessory, you’ll find a bargain at Reloved. And best of all, every purchase directly supports local people living with life-limiting illnesses.”
A family woven into Bolton life
The donation continues a long tradition of the Foster family supporting their home town. Grubs has also backed Bolton Mountain Rescue, donating footwear to its volunteers. David Foster, chief executive officer of Grubs, said at the time:
“Our family have been an integral part of Bolton life for over 200 years — my great-grandfather was a founding member of Bolton Harriers (the local running club) and my grandfather was involved in starting Bolton Lads Club. It’s an amazing honour for my daughters and I to be able to support Bolton Mountain Rescue. Our footwear is ideally suited to their needs and it’s a large cost for the volunteers, so for us to be able to support them is a privilege. The work they undertake daily saves lives, and allows us all to enjoy the wild places of Lancashire knowing that they are here should we get into difficulty.”
From crafting footwear for local communities through the Victorian and Edwardian eras to the global outdoor brand it is today, Grubs remains proudly rooted in Bolton — and glad to put its boots behind the people and causes that make the town what it is.
Read the full story on The Bolton News ↗.